notes: SRCC meeting of general memgership August 3, 2009
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SRCC general membership meeting minutes - 10/5/09
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2009; 7:00 PM
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
205 E. MONROE, AUSTIN, TEXAS
MEETING MINUTES
1. Marc Davis, Vice President, called the meeting to order at 7:10. Newcomers were introduced and welcomed.
1.a. Bob Drew, Treasurer, distributed 3rd quarter financial report. He explained that the format reflects the
executive committee’s decision to clarify when any funds are dedicated to a specific project.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Approve minutes September 2009 from September 7, 2009, general membership meeting (available at
South River City Citizens).
APPROVED unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
3. Election of two new Co-Area Coordinators:
MOTION: Elect Brian Talenti in Area 3A to replace "retiring" Bruce Barrick and assist Teri Hubbeling
Elect Eric Andruscavage in Area 4A to assist Sam Martin.
APPROVED unanimously
4. Helen Valdez reminded all that October 15th is deadline to submit articles for the SRCC newsletter Fall issue.
There was discussion and agreement that any members may submit articles. Helen is responsible to determine how
many and which articles can be included in each issue. Her role includes editing the articles as needed to convey
the essence of the content.
4a. Jean Mather and Roger Thompson described his variance request to decrease the minimum side yard setback from 5
ft. to 1 ft at 1512 Travis Heights Blvd. in order to erect an accessory building to replace an existing
non-complying accessory building.
NO MOTION WAS MADE AND NO VOTE WAS TAKEN.
4b. Chuck Hauser on behalf of David Swan and Elloa Matthews presented a request that the SRCC draft a general
resolution stating that SRCC does not support granting variances of setbacks for carports. For carports in
particular, there continue to be a number of requests for setback variances and Chuck, David, Elloa suggest that
submitting a letter to the Board of Adjustment that clarifies SRCC’s position against variances for carport
setbacks might reduce the volume of case-by-case requests. Discussion included comments that statement of position
would not stop the process of requesting variance. However some felt that providing a resolution to Susan Walker,
staff at Board of Adjustment, could be informative and assist her in predicting the neighborhood’s position when
working with residents who request these types of variances.
MOTION: Whereas a majority of attendees support existing requirements that carports comply with 5-ft setback, Jean
Mather and Chuck Hauser will draft a resolution stating that SRCC does not support granting variances regarding
carport setbacks. The resolution will be submitted to SRCC executive committee for final approval.
VOTES IN FAVOR: 13; ABSTAIN: 1
4c. Marc Davis presented information about proposed road closures for Austin Marathon on February 15, 2010.
MOTION: make no objection to the request for road closures as described in the request: PASSED without
objection.
PRESENTATIONS
5. Wolf Sittler gave an update on renovation of the Norwood House, fundraising event at the Continental Club
Sunday, October 11, 2009, 3-8pm. Austin Parks Foundation is in the process of making an agreement with the Norwood
Posse.
6. Sherri Ancipink, Co-Chair (Schools) of Parks, Schools & Environment Standing Committee, reported on activities
and accomplishments of faculty, students and parents at Travis Heights Elementary school. THE achieved status of
‘Recognized’ during 2009. Faculty have set a goal of achieving “Exemplary” status in 2010. THE has been selected
for a pilot program for Gifted and Talented students. Sherri expressed the importance of spreading accurate
information throughout the community because in her experience some residents judge the quality of THE without
knowing facts.
7. James Gamez and Roberto Gonzales, Senior Planners at Capital Metro presented a summary of Capital Metro's
Service Plan 2020 including proposed bus service changes for South Austin (Route #9 Elimination). They walked us
through the data they are using to make their decision. Route 9 is one of 4 low performing routes that are being
considered for modification or elimination. - When a route like this gets eliminated they attempt to service its
most used sections with modifications of other routes so that riders still have options. Data shows that section
of Route 9 that goes through TH is not well used and they don't plan on rerouting another bus to service this
neighborhood. - Questions were asked and answered, alternatives were proposed by our residents and their merits
were debated. Very lively and informative discussion but there was not a consensus among residents and nothing
was decided. In the end we resolved to set up a private meeting with the planners to discuss this further.
Implementation is likely to happen fall 2010.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
8. SRCC neighborhood area National Night Out event for October 6, 2009.
9. Road closures for various events.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Minutes submitted by Carol Martin
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